Chapter 21

In contrast to the vast castle, the room was terribly cramped. It was a small room without any furnishings or even a window. The only things present were a lamp casting a dim light, a pair of chairs, and a table. If two people entered such a place, they would naturally face each other. Gran, the leader of the Rehazen Knights, was well accustomed to such a small room. As long as one didn't mind the appearance, it was the perfect place for a secret meeting.

"Welcome back from the front lines. I'm sorry to trouble you without even giving you a chance to rest."

Chester Clayst, Gran's lord and the person he was meeting in secret, spoke words of comfort.

"Your kind words are deeply appreciated. However, this room is one I've been familiar with for a long time. Compared to the former Felius territory and the demon-ruled lands, it feels like my own room."

After the collapse of the Felius Kingdom, the Clayst Kingdom, which had absorbed the former Felius territory and its people, became the largest and most powerful nation since its founding. It sounded good, but in reality, it was nothing more than an inflated facade. No matter how much devastated land they acquired or how many refugees they took in, it was hard to call it a robust and resilient body. The sudden rise of Clayst, which had previously been a small but elite force, as a dominant power in the northern regions had its drawbacks.

There were not enough heads to govern the regions, generals to serve as their hands, or civil servants to act as their blood. They had gained the people, but not the talent. That's why Gran, who was only the leader of a knightly order, had to take on multiple roles to keep things running. If given enough time, the resources of Felius would eventually bear fruit, but there was no such luxury left.

"I see. This is such a dusty place. Let's skip the formalities and get straight to the point. Despite repeated requests to return, Ayane has refused and remains in Selta. Moreover, Myard has connected with Haiselk and has clearly refused to join the Clayst Kingdom's forces. The duchess, who was once flustered, is now quite resolute."

Haiselk had been defeated in the previous war, but the final blow was never delivered. Now, Myard, too, has wasted too much time. Gran was left with a bitter feeling.

"You may not know this yet, but reinforcements have been sent from Valigend to Selta. Two and a half hundred-man squads, but they are accompanied by a *Will-o'-the-wisp* user."

"The accursed *Lure of the Netherworld* that burned the encampment of the Four Nations Alliance?"

A terrifying enemy, wrapped in blue flames, who burned the encampment of the Four Nations Alliance on the eve of the major offensive. If they relied solely on powerful skills or magic, there might have been a chance to exploit a weakness, but their combat techniques, honed through actual combat, were at the level of a master. What shook Gran the most was their abnormal mental fortitude. After their unit was annihilated, they had hidden in the ruins of the encampment for five days, surrounded by the decaying bodies of their comrades.

"Would have been better if they had fallen into the netherworld with Gerald. What a nuisance."

Gran's face twisted in frustration. The very factor that had stalled the capture of the Sarevo Fortress and led to the loss of Ayane, the essential healer. The ghost of someone who should have died in a rampage had returned from the netherworld.

"Haiselk, having experienced defeat, has changed dramatically. They have become more flexible and efficient. They no longer care about traditions or factions, and they even act as allies with their former enemies. Haiselk, who used to only know how to punch, has changed."

Even in the harsh northern regions, the area that became the predecessor of Haiselk was particularly heretical. They fought over the few fertile lands, with no time for the blood to dry. They could have continued fighting over the land forever, but after unifying the region, Haiselk turned their eyes to the surrounding countries. They proclaimed that it was a war to defend their homeland, merely brushing off the sparks that fell upon them. In reality, they were a nation that enjoyed being hit and, once engaged, would crush and chew their opponent to the bone. Now, however, they have adapted to other countries, sending troops for the sole purpose of defending friendly nations.

If the empire, which had been knocked down, had returned to its senses, Gran would not be so anxious. The problem is that the essence of that country remains. A lone hungry wolf has learned to join a pack and share its prey. But the wolf is still hungry and hates those who have stolen its food. If they regain their former strength, the two countries that have acquired the Carolonia magic silver mine and the Reven mine will have the same goal.

"This is a serious situation. A war that will divide the northern regions is not far off."

"That's right. Liberato has finally made a decision. It seems the pro-war faction, led by Foreign Minister Hugo, has regained control of the federal council. This is because the federal system, which is the national policy, is inherently fragmented."

Chester laments the state of the allied country. The federation, founded by multiple small and medium-sized countries, inevitably takes time to unify decisions. This is a clear weakness of the Liberato Commercial Federation. The Liberato moderates, who aimed to avoid military force and integrate the remnants of Haiselk, had achieved some success. However, they were also deceived, giving the empire time to rise again.

"On the other hand, the young Myard has either gained excellent support from behind or has grown rapidly in this short period, becoming a troublesome opponent. Her handling of the former Felius territory after the rampage was swift, and her evaluation by her subordinates is not bad. Even if we tried to replace her, the security is tight. Even if we tried to poison her, Ayane is there. It would be meaningless... I have turned a blind eye to her rare abilities, but with this situation, we can no longer leave her alone."

Consider a more aggressive approach, Gran correctly understood the hidden meaning in the words.

"She won't respond now, even though she hasn't followed before."

"Should we bring her back by appealing to her childhood friend's illness?"

"The otherworldly beings are lenient with their own kind. However, she is also mistrusted, and the duchess has given her advice. Will she follow obediently?"

"…There is no time. Before the war begins, we must lure her out and make her leave."

Chester tapped the table, urging his lord to come up with a plan. They couldn't touch the fortified nest, so they needed a clear bait. Fortunately, they had no shortage of collaborators, and the preparations were complete.

"Myard is not a monolith. Many are resentful of her alliance with former enemies. The legacy of Felius is sweet but also poisonous. As I mentioned before, the groundwork has been laid. Ayane, for better or worse, has healed people too much. It was easy to make contact with some church factions that have healers."

"Very well," Chester's voice echoed in the secret room. Satisfied with Gran's report, he nodded.

"Despite having crossed many lines of death, Yuto is still naive and unstable. However, Makoto understands the current situation well. When three people gather, factions inevitably form. If they are of different genders, love and hate will follow. In their case, it will be a matter of responding."

"Mind, technique, and body—no matter the degree, those who are unbalanced are truly difficult to handle. What about Johanna?"

Gran acknowledged that he had been caught in a sensitive spot.

"She is one of them. Like Maya, she has become too deeply involved with the otherworldly beings. I may have been a bit too lenient."

"Even you, who are so cold-hearted?"

"I am human too. I do feel some emotion."

His words elicited a laugh from his lord. After a brief chuckle, Chester gave Gran instructions in a flat voice.

"The timing is up to you. Send Johanna and Yuto to a different front. The coastline of the demon-ruled lands would be good."